WILLISREED
NEW YORK KNICKSWillis Reed — 2× NBA champion, 2× Finals MVP, regular-season MVP, "The Captain." Career stats, bio and legacy of the New York Knicks' inspirational leader.
2×NBA CHAMPION
2×FINALS MVP
1×NBA MVP
7×ALL-STAR
Willis Reed biography — NBA career story, legacy, championships, awards and personal background.
Career timeline, milestones, and place among all-time greats.
Fifteen minutes before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, Willis Reed was written off with a thigh injury — then he limped onto the Madison Square Garden court, scored the game's first basket, and turned an entire arena into a roar. Born June 25, 1942, in Hico, Louisiana. Died March 21, 2023, in Houston, Texas, at age 80. Height 6 ft 10 in (208 cm).
He starred at Grambling State (1960–1964), leading the Tigers to an NAIA title and three conference championships while averaging 26.6 points and 21.3 rebounds as a senior. Drafted 8th overall by the New York Knicks in 1964, he spent his entire 10-season career with the franchise, winning Rookie of the Year in his debut season.
Reed led the Knicks to their only two NBA championships (1970, 1973), winning Finals MVP both times. In 1970 he became the first player ever named regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP in the same year. A seven-time All-Star, he made the All-NBA First Team once and the All-Defensive First Team once before knee injuries shortened his career.
Career totals: 12,183 points (18.7 ppg), 8,414 rebounds (12.9 rpg), 1,186 assists (1.8 apg).
His No. 19 was retired by the Knicks. Named to the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Willis Reed quick facts — Height 6'10. 18.7 PPG career average. Championship years: 1970, 1973.
Height, weight, draft year, and years in the league.
Willis Reed awards and honors — Championship years: 1970, 1973.
Major individual and team accolades with seasons won.
2x2x7x
5x
Willis Reed career statistics summary — 18.7 PPG career average.
Regular-season averages and totals across the full NBA career.
Willis Reed career highs — best single-game performances in points, rebounds, assists and more.
Personal records with dates and opponents.
vs LAL
vs NYK
vs NYK
vs POR
vs LAL
Willis Reed advanced stats — PER, win shares, BPM and overall impact metrics.
Impact measured beyond traditional box score statistics.
Willis Reed playoff stats — postseason points, rebounds, assists and games played.
Postseason production across every playoff run.
Willis Reed All-Star Game stats — appearances, minutes and showcase performance.
Mid-season exhibition stats across every All-Star selection.
→DID NOT PLAY - INJURYWillis Reed NBA transactions — trades, signings and team changes by date.
Team moves and dates across every NBA stop.
FAQ about Willis Reed — rings, MVP awards, career stats, height.
Answers to the most searched questions about championships and career honors.
Willis Reed averaged 18.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game in the regular season.
Willis Reed filmography — movies, documentaries and on-screen basketball roles.
Theatrical releases and documentary appearances.
Players similar to Willis Reed — statistical peers by position, peak seasons and career arc.
All-time comparisons with the closest playing profile.
NoteThe club shown in the profile isn't necessarily the player's last team, but the one he's most associated with and that defined his career. See the full team history in the Transactions section.